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The experiences of the psalmist may differ from ours, but by faith and sympathy we can enter into his feelings. Besides, there is always more or less of trouble. Life is full of vicissitudes. Times of darkness and of fear come to all. Not from one, but from many, the cry goes up to Heaven, "Why standest thou afar off?"

I. THE COMPLAINT. (Vers. 1-11.) Why? Perplexity and fear are natural because of the silence of God. What makes his silence the more awful is that it is in sight of the sufferings of the good (ver. 2). On every side evil abounds. Truth, justice, benevolence, are set at naught. Might prevails against fight. Righteousness is fallen in the dust. Oppression has reached such a height that it seems as if it would finally triumph. The mystery deepens, when we mark that God's silence is in the hearing of the vauntings of the wicked (vers. 3-11). The proud not only boast of their strength, but exult in their success. They have accomplished their evil desires. They parade their insolence and scorn in the very hearing of Heaven. Seeing there is no judgment executed, they harden their hearts, and hold on their way with reckless hardihood.

II. THE APPEAL. (Vers. 12-18.) The cry is impassioned and urgent. God's truth and honour are concerned. Redress must be given, else things will soon be beyond remedy.

1. The experience of the past is urged. (Ver. 14.) God is just. What he has done is earnest of what he will do. His deeds bind him as well as his promises.

2. The present also bears witness. (Ver. 5.) There is requital even now. As surely as the good is blessed in his deed, the wicked is cursed in his wickedness.

3. The future is therefore anticipated with confidence. (Ver. 6.) As the sinker muses on the character and ways of God, he rises to a bolder strain. Faith sees the vision of coming judgment. There are sore trials, there are great perplexities, but God is just. He is not indifferent. He is not helpless. He is not slack concerning his promise. But he waits in long-suffering mercy for the fit - the appointed time. A prepared heart will always find a prepared God (vers. 16-18): "Thou wilt cause thine ears to hear." Men may give their ears, and no more. Not so God. He not only hears, but acts. There is the tenderest pity; but there is also the most tremendous power. "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." - W.F.

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KJV: Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?

WEB: Why do you stand far off, Yahweh? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?